During this time of great uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to find safe ways to move your body, calm your mind, and practice self-care safely, while maintaining social distancing and following local public health guidelines. Regular exercise is proven to lower stress levels, as are breathing exercises and other meditation practices.
Santa Monica has long held a reputation as the go-to wellness hub of Los Angeles, packing in dozens of spas, yoga studios, fitness classes, and innovative self-care offerings all within 8.3 square miles. Visitors flock to the beach to join locals in their healthy way of life, running, biking, or sneaking in an outdoor workout at the Original Muscle Beach along the city’s glistening coastline.
While gyms, spas, and many outdoor spaces are currently closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Santa Monica’s wellness businesses are finding creative ways to serve up a slice of Santa Monica’s wellness scene – virtually. Until it’s safe to enjoy all that Santa Monica has to offer in person, here’s a number of local businesses that are stepping up to help you infuse some Santa Monica soul into your at-home wellness routine.
Aerobic Workouts
No gym? No problem. Limited equipment is required for modified aerobic workouts guaranteed to get your heart racing and put your muscles to work. Try your hand at dancing, boxing classes, HIT workout, or a customized workout with a personal trainer.
Power up with Pilates
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise designed to strengthen muscles while improving posture, balance, and flexibility. Join in on virtual classes from the comfort of your personal yoga mat.
Soothe Your Soul with a Sound Bath
Lower your stress levels and ease into relaxation with a sound bath, a form of music meditation therapy that uses specifically tuned vibrational instruments to help bring you to a state of wholeness. Be Crystal Clear is live-streaming daily sound baths to help promote healing. Bonus for parents – storytime sound baths are aimed at the whole family.
Stretch it Out with Yoga
The range of benefits provided by yoga, from anxiety relief and stress reduction to increased flexibility and muscle tone, is much needed these days. Join in on a group yoga class to reap the physical benefits while connecting to the greater community.
Boost Your Beauty
While now may not seem like the best time to focus on beauty, research shows that in fact, beauty rituals can serve as a mood booster. A number of beauty businesses have found new ways to help service their clients from a safe distance. Face Haus Santa Monica is offering virtual skincare consultations while Tranquility Skin and Body Care is offering complimentary online skin consultations with a minimum purchase and is offering free doorstep delivery within Santa Monica.
Now is also a good time to support your favorite local beauty business by purchasing a gift card to use later. Not only will you help a local business financially, but you’ll also have something to look forward to when this situation passes, and it’s safe to visit our favorite businesses as usual.
Healthy Takeout
After your virtual workout or self-care practice, why not treat yourself to a healthy, healing meal. A large number of Santa Monica restaurants are offering take-out, curbside pickup, or delivery options at this time. Click here for a comprehensive list of local businesses offering these services.
